As an author, a lot of what I write is based off what I know. There may (or may not be, haha) references to real-life places, events, and products. My characters may (or may not be, don’t ask!) inspired by my family, friends, and even acquaintances I’ve met online. The thing is, I want my fictional stories to be relatable and realistic but always with a thread of hope woven into them. That’s what makes books worth reading, right? They give us the ability to escape for a little while, but also cause us to think about issues and problems and resolutions.
Well, one of my next books releasing in November is set in a fictional town of Sweet Grove, Texas. I’ve been to Texas once in my life, about fifteen years ago (eeks!) before I had kids, to visit a dear college friend. We spent the weekend watching the 6-hour version of Pride and Prejudice, drinking tons of boba tea, and we also swam in the ocean at Galveston Beach (the water was as warm as bath water!). I had a grand ‘ol time in Texas (did I mention this was before kids? haha), so when I was given the opportunity to write a story for the First Street Church Kindle World set in Texas, I went for it.
Fast forward a few months to when I had finished my story, Love’s Choice, and there was news that a major hurricane had hit Texas and its surrounding areas. The images I saw on the news of the disaster were heartbreaking. So many people literally standing knee-deep in filthy water in their own homes. They all needed help, but with us being over 1,000 miles away in California, it was hard to know how to offer support.
Enter Convoy of Hope!
I came across this organization online and was immediately impressed with their efforts and ethical standing, and most of all, their heart for the hurting. Just a quick glance at their website shows how they are in the midst of natural disasters, providing food and supplies to people, not only to those in the U.S. but abroad as well. In a nutshell, this is what they do (as stated on their site):
As a faith-based, nonprofit organization Convoy of Hope has helped more than 80 million people throughout the world by sharing food, water, emergency supplies, agricultural know-how, and opportunities that empower people to live independent lives, free from poverty, disease and hunger.
Convoy of Hope does this through:
Mobilizing tens of thousands of volunteers each year.
Partnering with churches, businesses, individuals and other humanitarian organizations who are intent on doing good work among the impoverished and suffering.
Transparency — we have received the prestigious Four Star Charity Award from Charity Navigator for 14 years.
Their name says it all, don’t you think? 🙂 They provide help and hope to those who need it the most.
My hubby and I were thrilled to partner with Convoy of Hope and help in the little way that we could to hopefully make some people’s lives a little better in Texas.
I highly encourage you to think about whose life you will change for the better. Perhaps it will be through a partnership with a group like Convoy of Hope, or maybe it will be the kind act you do for your neighbor, family member, or friend. Whatever it is, know that God can use anyone to be a blessing! How will you choose to be a blessing today? Let me know in the comments below!
*This post was done in conjunction with my fellow Sweet Grove Books authors for The Pay It Forward Giveaway. To enter this giveaway for a free Kindle and a gift card, please go to this link: https://www.litring.com/the-pay-it-forward-giveaway/
Thanks for visiting my blog and for supporting the First Street Church Kindle World!
i try to help change my chrildren’s lives with the abuse we suffered so i try to make their life now a lot better.
Oh, I’m so glad you and your children are safe now. You sound like a wonderful mom. Big hugs to you. God bless you all.
As a pastor’s wife and a employee at a funeral home, I try to show God’s love and compassion to those who are hurting in a lot of different situations.
That’s wonderful, Alice. Those are great opportunities that God has given you. Thanks for sharing!
What a wonderful thing to do.
Hi Debbie! Thanks for visiting my blog.
I try to help whenever I see that it’s needed. It’s not hard to pay it forward, you just need to look around and see where your help may be needed.
That’s so true, Judy! There are so many opportunities to help.
I would love to change the life of homeless people. It so sad to see them on the street. In these day of age that shouldn’t happen!
I totally agree, Carole. I’m so glad you have a heart for the homeless.
I have always given to others less fortunate. Homelessness is one close to my heart. It needs to be dealt with and help those who need shelter, clothes , food and good hygiene as well. We have so much to be thankful for in the U.S.
Yes, I can’t agree more, Beverly! We do have so much, more than we need, and there are so many who don’t have much at all. Thank you for helping people in need!
Caring for others in need is the most important mission.
Amen, Laes! I couldn’t have said it better myself.
My daughter as major depressive disorder and anxiety and as as a hard time between working taking care of 4 kids and the upkeep on the house. I help with the caring of the Grandkids and the upkeep of the house.
You are such a big blessing to your daughter! God bless you. <3
Thank you for sharing . Book jumping onward !!
Thank you for stopping by, Cheryl!
My mom just had a hip replacement so I have spent 2weeks cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and picking up books at the library. I will be going back to help after my grandchild is born next week. I will be taking care of my grandson while his mom is in the hospital.
You’ve been busy, Lori, but for a great reason. Congratulations on your new grandson! 🙂
i love working in the food pantry giving out food to people in need.
Hi Judy! That’s a wonderful act of kindness. 🙂
I feel like this giveaway is is an act of torture and I can’t seem to get out of it.
Eeks! Sorry to hear that, Jennifer. 🙁 Our intention is not to torture you, really! 😛 Thanks for participating anyways!
I think being a blessing from God can be something simple like being a friend to someone who needs it, or smiling to someone we don’t know who may be having a hard day.
Amen and amen! 🙂
What a great organization. I try to help my family and friends. We give food when it is needed. I have been know to give clothes and household goods when needed.
That’s wonderful, Penny!
That sounds like a wonderful organization. I wish I was more able to help. But I can pray for each and everyone. God knows my situation and my heart. I am Thankful for everything God has blessed me with and I will help in any way I can.
Prayer is just as much of a blessing, if not more, Dorothy! 🙂
We donate to under priveledged children..we shop and drop off..adopt families for dinner baskets..etc. We help stock the homeless shelter of needed supplies. We believe you have to help others.
That’s so great to hear, Kim! Thanks for sharing.
sounds like a nice org
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Going to spend some time with my parents and help her get ready for the colder months coming.
That sounds wonderful, Janette!
I try to help people when I can. Right now I am giving all my time to my parents. Anything they need help with or done, I do. My Dad is fighting stage 4 lung cancer – it’s untreatable and it’s been really hard. I drive them to appointments and sit with them each day. My Mom told me I was a blessing because it’s so lonely and depressing alone with Dad. He barely talks much at all. I want to make everything I can easier for them after they have done so much for me.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad, Suzanne. Hugs and prayers for you and your family. You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for the chance at this awesome giveaway!!
Thank you for stopping by, Debra!
I try to help those in need, especially children who do not have much. I teach my kids to do the same and they love donating Ron charities for less fortunate families.
How wonderful, Melanie! Yes, it’s so important to pass on concern for others to our kids. Thanks for sharing!
What a great organization!
Thanks for visiting, Kara!
Everyone can help in small or big ways.
That is SO true! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I would love to try to help the homeless people, whether they have served in our military or not. They all deserve all the help we can give them.
Amen to this! Everyone needs grace. <3
Awesome giveaway
Thanks for visiting, Karen!
Sounds like a wonderful organization. I contribute to St. Jude’s Children’s Hosptial and the Ozark Food Harvest locally that provides meals for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
That’s wonderful, Julie! Thanks for sharing!
I feel more patience, compassion, and understanding needs to take place with caregivers. If you are in it for only the money, you are not going to have that compassion for that person, if you do it because you love the job and helping, then it makes the patient feel wanted and not a burden. I know this because I have dealt with them and deal with them on the care of my daughter.
You say it well, Nora. It sounds like you have a heart for the hurting. God bless you. <3
I partner with my minister husband and see to the needs of our congregation.
That’s wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Kathy!
my children and grandchildren
Your family is blessed to have you, Jo Anne!
Convoy of Hope says it all! It is a way we can all help each other.
Yes, the name is such a good reminder to give hope to others. 🙂
That sounds like such a wonderful thing to do.
Thanks for stopping by, Sharon!
Awesome giveaway
Thanks for visiting, Shannon!
so many steps to the giveaways: I don’t have time for reading! TT
Haha, I know what you mean! Thanks for visiting, Jenna.
Love the giveaway.
Thanks for visiting, Tori!
The book titles make me want to read them. I’m glad I’m a participant in this giveaway!
Aren’t they all so creative and fun (how many ways can you include love in a title)? 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Beverly!
I hope that I am a positive influence on anyone I meet.
That’s a wonderful perspective to have, Robbie!
I try to help whenever I see that it’s needed.
That’s awesome, Emma. 🙂
So glad to hear u all are safe now, much blessings and many prayers
Thank you for visiting, Angella!
I really enjoyed reading the entire post, thank you for the giveaway!
I’m so glad! Thanks for stopping by, Nikolina!
I try to change the lives of those who can not help themselves.
That’s awesome. Thanks for sharing, Jodi!
You are such an amazing person. Keep going forward. Thanks so much..
Aw, thanks, Brandon. We all have the power to make a difference though, so there are lots of amazing people in the world. 🙂
That’s wonderful. I became disabled seven years ago and that left me not being able to physically help charities any longer which hurt because I did that for my kids schools as they grew up then I was in charge of raising money for charities at my job. But I wouldn’t stop so now I participate in auctions the authors have on here, I try to be helpful when I can anyway I can. Helping others makes me feel better about myself.
That’s wonderful, Tammie. It’s so true, helping others helps ourselves, too. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for participating
Thanks for visiting, Nicole!